Panhandling:
- “I’m out of gas; can you spare some change?”
- “I am a few dollars short for bus to…”
- “Can you spare some change for something to eat?”
It is not illegal to ask for money, but it is illegal to aggressively beg or intimidate passersby, to intentionally touch or cause physical contact, to follow or persist in begging, or obstruct a pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
You are entitled to your space and should not feel intimidated or harassed.
- Do not go into your wallet or purse
- Acknowledge the individual with a nod and respectfully decline any request for money
- You may also choose not to speak to the individual, depending on your comfort level
